Thursday, December 22, 2005
Republican Scrooges
Just in time for Christmas: One of the biggest cuts to student aid in nearly a decade. To pay for the tax cuts to the rich, the fat cat Republicans in Congress are making huge cuts in programs that benefit the poor, the elderly, and college students. The legislation includes the following:
--States would have sweeping new authority to impose premiums and co-payments on millions of low-income people covered by Medicaid. States can also scale back benefits for many recipients.
--For the elderly, it would be more difficult to qualify for Medicaid coverage for nursing home care if they transfer assets to their children or other relatives for less than fair market value.
--Medicare would freeze payments for home health services and reduce payments for medical imaging.
--Welfare recipients would be subject to stricter work requirements. States would be subject to new financial penalties unless they put more people to work or further reduce the number of families receiving assistance.
--Aid that helps states collect child support from absent parents would be reduced.
Forget about the so-called "War on Christmas"; the GOP scrooges have waged a war on the poor and sick. Glad to see that Congress is embracing the true spirit of Christmas.
Students to Bear Big Burden Under the Final Budget Bill - New York Times
--States would have sweeping new authority to impose premiums and co-payments on millions of low-income people covered by Medicaid. States can also scale back benefits for many recipients.
--For the elderly, it would be more difficult to qualify for Medicaid coverage for nursing home care if they transfer assets to their children or other relatives for less than fair market value.
--Medicare would freeze payments for home health services and reduce payments for medical imaging.
--Welfare recipients would be subject to stricter work requirements. States would be subject to new financial penalties unless they put more people to work or further reduce the number of families receiving assistance.
--Aid that helps states collect child support from absent parents would be reduced.
Forget about the so-called "War on Christmas"; the GOP scrooges have waged a war on the poor and sick. Glad to see that Congress is embracing the true spirit of Christmas.
Students to Bear Big Burden Under the Final Budget Bill - New York Times
